IT'S nearly time to head to the square for an annual festival of music, food and family fun.

Fayre in the Square, Weymouth's spring bank holiday weekend extravaganza based around Hope Square and the harbourside, is back for the fifth time.

Organisers the Rotary Club of Weymouth are hoping for sunshine as the two-day event returns, encouraging locals and visitors to the south side of the harbour to enjoy live music, street food, sideshows, stalls and entertainment – all for free.

The focal point of the event is a big stage in Hope Square but there will be more than 40 stalls lining Trinity Road, Cove Row and Cove Street on the approach to the square.

Twenty bands will play over the two days with music from 10am-6pm.

Acts include Total Madness, The Leggomen, Average Wyke Band, Tequila Mockingbird, Hustle, Dorset Wrecks, and the youngsters from WOW.

There will be outdoor bars and food stands, and the Rotary's Pilgrim House in Hope Square will be open for refreshments and have a craft area for children.

A total of 10,000 free programmes, which have been printed by the Dorset Echo, will be available over the weekend listing all the entertainment of offer. The programme also contains a holiday draw.

All organisers ask is that people attending make a donation in one of the collection pots.

Proceeds from the event are given to local good causes – last year more than £15,000 was split between 33 organisations.

Event chairman Roger Fry said: "Once again the preparations are complete for what promises to be the best fayre yet.

"We have been overwhelmed by the generosity and support of our major sponsors for this year's event. So thanks to Weymouth BID, Tolchards Wines and Thatchers we begin the event in a really good place."

He added: "Fayre in the Square is free of charge and is very much a family event, but we do hope to receive donations as the Rotary Club give away all proceeds to local charities and good causes."

Fayre in the Square will be held on Saturday, May 26 and Sunday, May 27.

Organisations wishing to make an application to benefit from Fayre in the Square funds should do so in writing (include name and contact details) by June 8, addressed to FITS 2018, Pilgrim House,1 Hope Street, Weymouth DT4 8TU. Or email pilgrimhousetrust@hotmail.co.uk